Killerton garden autumn walk
A fantastic walk to show off the pallet of colours in the garden during autumn. Admire the deep orange berries of the Chinese Scarlet Rowan, the red berries and furry leaves of the Cotoneaster lacteus, and the Zelkova carpinifolia turning a deep, buttery yellow. This is one of four seasonal walks that takes you on a short tour around the main paths of the garden to enjoy nature's wonders. Feel free to explore the grassy paths which take you up to the garden's lofty heights and into hidden areas between the gravel paths.
Map
Start:
Forecourt, grid ref: SS974001
1
From the forecourt go through the garden gate. Walk along the gravel path and turn right, uphill. Follow the path as it curves around to the left and straightens out.
2
Look up ahead and to your right to see the skyline dominated by North American trees, mostly conifers. Take the next right uphill. On your right is a Chinese scarlet rowan with bright orange berries.
Chinese scarlet rowan
Enjoy the sight of the vibrantly coloured berries of the Chinese scarlet rowan, introduced to this country in 1880. The berries come out in late summer, early autumn and are held through much of the winter.
3
Continue upwards, walking past thatched buildings on your right, and follow the curve to the left, uphill. Enjoy the autumnal reds, oranges and yellows of maples either side of the path.
4
Along the gravel path on your right you'll pass a Giant Redwood. (You can walk uphill here to admire the fine views from the heights - return to the main path afterwards).
5
From the Giant Redwood walk straight on along the Beech Walk. Cross the rustic bridge at the end.
6
Follow the path around and downhill. Views of Dartmoor sweep out on your right as you approach the Memorial Cross.
7
Continue downhill to a fork in the path. Take the left-hand turn. On your right you'll pass a Cotoneaster lacteus with red berries and furry leaves. Explore the Bears Hut and the Rock Garden behind it.
Cotoneaster lacteus
Enjoy the sight of the red berries and the feel of the furry leaves of the Cotoneaster lacteus, an evergreen hedging shrub, on your way to the Bear's Hut. You can also investigate the Bear's Hut, a rustic summerhouse built in the early 19th century, and once home to the family's pet bear.
8
Return to the fork and walk downhill. Passing around the bend at the bottom, admire the fiery colours of a cluster of more maple trees on your right.
9
Walk along the gravel path to the house. On your left you'll pass the Zelkova carpinifolia with buttery yellow leaves.
Zelkova carpinifolia
The Zelkova carpinifolia was introduced to this country from the Caucasus in 1928. It shifts from the lime-green leaves of the summer to a deep buttery yellow colour in the autumn, gradually turning a burnt orange before it loses its leaves.
10
Walk back to the house, turn right and walk down past the house restaurant. Stop for a cup of tea and some food, or continue on to the corner of the house. Turn left and walk back to the garden gate and through to the forecourt.
End:
Forecourt, grid ref: SS974001
